Tips and Tricks for Dehydrated Skin

Keeping your skin hydrated can be a frustrating task at the best of times but I’ve picked up some very basic tricks and products that help keep your skin hydrated and help your makeup to wear better throughout the day.

Apply Moisturiser with Wet Hands

Always apply your moisturiser to already wet or damp skin, and wet your hands before applying it. This doesn’t mean they need to be soaking, but wash them and just shake them a few times to flick off any excess water, then apply your moisturiser. Do this for every step of moisturiser or serum, allowing each layer to dry down somewhat in between (just 2 minutes will do). I like to apply layer at a time in between getting dressed or brushing my teeth or hair. Adding that extra water with each layer ensures your skin is absorbing more moisture and getting more hydrated.

Use a Vitamin B Serum (Also Known as Niacin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps the top layer of the skin to retain moisture so it’s an absolute must have for those of us with dehydrated skin. I notice such a big difference if I run out and can’t use it for a while. I use 1-2 pumps of the Aspect Dr Vitamin B serum twice daily. ASAP also does a lovely Ultimate Hydration moisturiser with Niacinamide. I often use this moisturiser as it makes my skin feel so plump and hydrated. It has the extra benefit of including Vitamin B so you don’t need an extra serum! Although I do find in winter when my dehydration is at it’s peak I end up reaching for both products

Use a Moisturiser that Includes Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin and helps the skin retain it. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt derived from Hyaluronic acid that is absorbed into the skin more easily. A lot of hydrating moisturisers include both products but one, the other, or both are beneficial.

Finish of by Applying an Oil at Night

Whether your skin is oily or dry it can benefit from applying oil as your last skincare step at night. In oily skin it will help reduce your skins natural production of sebum, and in those will dry skin it adds oil. Either way its an important step to creating a barrier that moisture doesn’t escape from. I find the best oil to use is a natural Rosehip oil. It’s also quite cheap! I pick up a bottle from the local organics shop and it lasts me months because you’re only using a few drops per night. Rosehip also has the added benefit of being known to even out skin tone which is a great plus.

Use a Hydrating Face Mask a Few Times PerWeek

Face masks are fantastic for hydrating the skin, I definitely need them in winter. My favourite mask at the moment is actually one I can make myself at home with products in my cupboard. It also tastes amazing. Because it’s made from all natural, edible ingredients I feel so healthy applying it to my skin and no issue if any ends up in my mouth (sometimes I actually make a batch to go with icecreams or desserts, it’s that tasty).

1 Kiwifruit

Juice of 1/4 of a Lemon

2 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp Honey (Manuka is best, but I have been using Beechwood because it’s what’s in the pantry)

1 Tsp Tumeric

Blend all ingredients together (I use a nutribullet) and apply with either fingers or an old makeup brush. Be careful to use dark facecloths or towels as tumeric can stain. This makes enough to do 5 or so masks. I just keep mine in the fridge and microwave it for 15 seconds before I use it.

Use a Hydrating Mist

Use a hydrating mist constantly if you are wearing foundation. I apply it before my primer, then in between each layer of foundation, then after my powder, then after I have finished everything on my face, then multiple times throughout the day. A hydrating mist can be anything from Rosewater to MAC Fix+ (my personal preference) but it generally has glycerin it it, which attracts moisture to the skin. Many hydrating sprays on the market include other hydrating ingredients like Rosewater or Aloe Vera. Constant application of a hydrating, especially during foundation application helps put enough moisture in your skin that it won’t suck all of the moisture out of your foundation and leave you looking cracked.

Notable Products to Mention

Suman Hydrating Toning Essence – worth a splurge. It includes rosewater, hyaluronic acid, glyceryl, honey, green tea and witch hazel making it an insanely hydrating Toner. I just love how my skin feels when I use it.

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto Replenishing Hydrator – worth a splurge. This gel gives the moisture boost I need it. I use it in conjunction with my other moisturiser and in my skincare routine. When I put it on it just feels like my skin is drinking up so much water. It feels amazing.

This Works No Wrinkles Eye Repair – worth a splurge. Hydrates, plumps and brightens the under eye area. When I use it I notice within a few weeks that my fine lines are minimised and my undereye concealer goes on more smoothly.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm – worth a splurge. This product does an amazing job at building a moisture barrier. I apply this every night and in the morning my lips are soft and hydrated (something I don’t normally find using lip balms). Sometimes I will also pat this under my eye on top of my eye cream to strengthen that moisture barrier where my skin shows the dehydration the worst.

Lush Lipscrub – If your lips tend to get flaky, applying a lipscrub before applying lipstick helps. I really like the lush ones as they taste amazing, are all food safe ingredients and the Jojoba oil leaves your lips feeling soft and nourished.

Please leave a comment and let me know any other tricks or products you have found that help with dehydrated skin. I’d love to try them out!

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